Top 10 Sneaker Pickups 2023 by More Sneakers

Better late than never. Here are our Top 10 Sneaker Pickups for this year 2023 in no particular order of preference.

Once again, this is a Top of the pairs we've bought and have in hands.

This seems more relevant to us than a ranking of all the releases, simply because it's still difficult to talk about pairs we've never had in our hands.

Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude'

Originally released in 2006 in the famous DMP 6/11 pack, the black and white Air Jordan 11 with gold accents had never been released since.

Those who missed the pack back then (like me), were able to get their hands on the Air Jordan 6 DMP in 2020. Here we are 3 years later, 17 years after its first appearance, and Jordan Brand is finally reissuing it.

As you'd expect - Nike never does the same thing twice - this reissue includes a modification to the upper, replacing the usual carbon fiber with leather.

Needless to say, the pair was eagerly awaited, and the number of AJ11 releases in the year is still very, very low. A must-have for any Jordan Brand collector.

Nike Air More Uptempo Low ‘Black White’

Not usually a fan of the low-profile versions of Bastekball models, I was myself very surprised by this silhouette revisited by a fashion specialist.

It was Yoon Ahn, fashion designer and creative director of Japan-based brand Ambush, who put his stamp on this pair with the distinctive 'AIR' on the side.

This low-profile version with an inflated look admirably transforms the B-ball model into a street-fashion piece in tune with the times: a thick, inflated skateboard-style tongue, rope laces with exaggerated diameters and a reminder of the heel.

Finally, a slightly shiny leather finish applied to the graffiti-style 'AIR' logo. Super fans of Nike Air More Uptempo in general, this modern version is a must-have for me this year.

J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 Retro SP 'Medellín Sunset'

After a very mixed second edition of the AJ2, the collaboration between Jordan Brand and the famous singer had not said its last word.

Back with an Air Jordan 3 this year, this ultimately very limited edition was very anticipated by the community. Excellent storytelling and incredible detailing applied to the AJ3's silhouette make it a no-brainer heat of 2023.

Sunset-style color gradient on the back of the pair, Smiley J Balvin logo on the heel and an upper also in the sun theme.

Not to mention a special box with special paper inside.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 Retro SP 'Pine Green'

Far from being the 1st collaboration between Nike's Skateboarding and Basketball departments, this is the first time in 2023 that the 2 entities have worked together on an Air Jordan 4.

Certainly the most hype Jordan silhouette of recent years, this release was again very anticipated by the sneaker community.

And Nike didn't do things by halves: Nike SB and Jordan thoroughly reworked the AJ4's design to make it suitable for advanced skateboarding: the 89 shape on the toebox, a more flexible upper, softer plastic details and a gum outsole are the model's most notable updates.

Add to this a cool colorway with good colorblocking. The pair goes straight into the top 10.

New Balance 9060 'Multi-Color'

A release you're unlikely to see in other rankings, and yet the New Balance 9060 is one of the trendiest silhouettes since 2022.

There weren't many collaborations on this model this year, but there were a few limited editions that made their presence felt: the DTLR collab & the Grey Day edition are certainly my favorites.

This daring multi-color edition shows off the pair's potential very well, with multiple yokes and a subtle play on materials.

A flashy pink and red sole, an upper mixing leather, mesh & suede in turquoise tones warmed up by orange and red details. Black pieces add contrast, as does a purple lining at the top.

A perfect color for sunny days on a futuristic silhouette of the moment. We regret, however, that this year's retail price (€190) has risen by €20 to €30.

Asics Gel-Kayano 14 'Cream Black'

The Japanese brand has finally returned to the forefront in 2023 with the number 14 in its Gel-Kayano line.

Since its relaunch in 2020 with an updated retro lifestyle version, the Asics Gel-Kayano 14 has been the talk of the sneaker community.

With a very running DNA, metal parts and a mesh base for breathable feet, the Asics Gel-Kayano 14 has found its place as an everyday pair.

Collaborations with Kiko Kostadinov, JJJJound & Kith have helped, of course, but the model itself and its success testify to the search for alternative products to what we've seen in recent years.

This Cream Black color was quickly sold out in most retailers.

Good comfort, a cream base with silver and black overlays make this a simple, effective pair to wear without moderation for a retail price of €160.

New Balance 1906D Protection Pack 'Black Leather'

No need to introduce the Protection Pack series from New Balance.

After the highly successful 2002R, the brand has applied this deconstructed treatment to the 1906 for the 2nd time.

This time, the split inserts are in leather, and the model is available in black and white. This 'Black Leather' edition sold very well, even if it didn't sell out on the day.

An excellent rendering in my opinion, better than the 4-pack of the first drop. The leather adds a touch of luxury and dressiness that certainly appealed to fans of the brand.

An all-black pair that's easy to wear every day, with solid comfort. This pair is one of my personal beaters of 2023.

F.C. Barcelona x Patta x Nike Air Max Plus 'Culers del Món'

The number of Nike Air Max Plus releases this year has been incredible. It's a silhouette that can't be ignored in 2023. I surprised myself by buying several.

This limited edition with Dutch boutique Patta and Barcelona Football Club stands out in my eyes.

A double swoosh on the side, the model's famous gradient using the team's colors, details such as the P of Patta on the front, the club crest on the lace system and two-tone laces.

Last but not least, the associated clothing collection was well crafted, as usual from the Dutch retailer. A pair that belongs in the top 10.

Terror Squad x Nike Air Force 1 'Blackout'

A pair that has been the talk of the networks, and promoted directly by its initiator Fat Joe. As it’s often the case with the Swoosh brand, the pair conveys a strong story.

It has embodied the influences between the worlds of sport and hip-hop for decades.

Not to mention the fact that the pair is the result of an exclusive Friends & Family release for the New York rapper's group, and that it resurfaces 20 years later with great nostalgia.

Simple, effective color blocking on this black and white limited edition. High-quality leather has a classic AF1 look with Terror Squad's signature embroidered details on the back.

A must-have for fans of this timeless silhouette.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG University Blue 'UNC Toe'

The Air Jordan 1 High OG has lost some of its hype since 2022, yet Jordan Brand hasn't exactly slowed down the releases, and has still provided us with colorways that would have been all the rage in another era.

This is certainly true of the Air Jordan 1 High OG 'UNC Toe'. Once again paying tribute to the North Carolina roots of Michael Jordan and his famous university, this non-OG edition remains a must-have for collectors of the brand.

A full leather pair with 'Bred Toe'-style color blocking, here replaced by the sky-blue color much appreciated by fans of the basketball player, the rendering does not disappoint. Of course, we regret the retail price, which has risen to 190€/174.95$/180£ for this release.

We'll say we made up for it on the other colors on sale.